Page 183 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Aaron looked at her with sad eyes. “It’s just a ballet tour. Nothing dangerous.”

She took a deep breath. “Yeah.” Everything would be fine.

“Would you feel better if I called you every few days?”

Anna’s heart lightened. “Yeah, that might help.”

“Okay. I’ll do that. I’ll call you when we land, too.”

“Thank you for understanding, Aaron.”

“I remember what you went through with Alex. I never want you to feel that way again.”

They hugged one last time. Aaron repeated his admonitions about being safe and not going out alone after dark, and then he left. Anna went to his bed and fell back asleep, hugging his pillow.

Later that morning, Anna woke up feeling refreshed and decided to go explore the city. She’d heard of the big New York City library and decided she would go find it.

According to the map on her phone, it was a thirty-five-minute walk. Forty-five if she went through Central Park. She had all day to herself and decided to take the scenic route.

She was glad she did. Central Park was a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The first hints of a green spring were breaking through the winter barrenness. There was no snow, but the air was still crisp. The winding paths through the tall trees filled her with a sense of tranquility after the chaos of the last few days. She could imagine sitting in the grass, her back against a towering tree, and losing herself in a good book. Once the weather warmed.

Anna emerged from the park a while later and was instantly engulfed by the bustling city. She walked down Fifth Avenue, lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores. The majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral caught her eye and she stopped to study the pointed arches and carved spires that seemed to reach the sky.

The energy of the city was contagious, and she had to intentionally slow her steps in order to not be swept along with the tourists and businessmen and women who filled the sidewalks.

A mile from the park, the library came into view. As she reached the bottom of the steps, she couldn’t help but be amazed by the iconic lions standing guard at the entrance. There was a different energy here. Reverence. Intelligence. Culture. Such a contrast from the commercial vibrance of the previous few blocks.

She stood outside for a good ten minutes, taking it all in, before slowly walking up the steps and into the historic building. The library had just opened, and as she walked inside, she spotted a sign announcing tours that began in an hour. After buying a ticket, she occupied herself by exploring the ground floor until it began. She hadn’t been in a library in years and was excited to learn about its history. After the tour finished, she signed up for a library card, silently thanking Tom for the New York driver’s license.

At dinnertime, Anna settled onto the couch with a sandwich she’d bought at a deli on the way home. She was laughing at the sitcom when there was a knock at the door. The sound made her jump and she crept to the door, her heart pounding. She looked through the peephole and gasped, then opened the door. “Tommy?”

Tommy grinned sheepishly. “Hey. I just... wanted to see how you were settling in.”

“Oh, well, come on in.” She stepped aside, and Tommy walked in and looked around.

“Nice place.”

“Thanks. I live with Aaron.”

“Yeah.” Tommy nodded. “Is he here?”

She shook her head. “No, he’s gone to the Netherlands with the ballet company. He’ll be back next week.”

“Oh.”

Anna looked at his handsome face, and her heart warmed. She smiled tenderly. “How are things with you?”

“Good.” He blew out a breath and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Found out Kim’s pregnant.”

Anna blinked and tried to ignore the stabbing pain in her heart. “Oh, that’s... that’s great, Tommy.” She smiled weakly. “Are you happy?”

He shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, it’s good. It’s time to start the family. I just—‍” He sighed. “It’s just weird, knowing I’m gonna be a dad.”

She swallowed hard, squinted, and forced a smile. “I bet you’ll be a great dad.” Why did her voice have to crack and betray her emotions?

Tommy stepped closer to her and she inhaled the scent of his cologne, bringing back so many memories of their times together. “I miss you,” he whispered. “It kills me, knowing you’re here, and... not with me.” He sighed. “I wish I’d waited for you.” His brows twitched and he cradled her cheek.

Anna’s lips parted and she trembled at his words. “Me too,” she whispered.

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